Description

The Wonder Workshop Dash & Dot Robot Wonder Pack promises to be a fun way for your child to learn. It includes two robots, named Dash and Dot, and some other accessories for added interactivity. The basic idea is that kids learn to code at an early age with easy to use coding apps that connect to the robots. Let’s start with a quick overview of the features:

PronsCons

No prior coding knowledge required

Easy to use interface

Also fun for adults

Lots of accessories

Battery only lasts a few hours

Only Dash can move

My Honest Review

The first thing you should know is that you need an iOS or Android device in order to use the robots. It doesn’t matter if it’s a smartphone or tablet, although I recommend a tablet because the larger screen makes it much easier to use. If you only have a phone it will still work fine. There are a few apps you can download for free to start using with the Dash & Dot Robot Wonder Pack right away. Five to be exact.

Dash and Dot are each unique in their own way. Dash has wheels and can move around in multiple speeds and directions. Dot is stationary and is better suited to create games, such as hot potato and magic 8 ball, and to interact with Dash. Both robots include lights and sensors to detect objects and sounds.

The apps are very easy to use and range in complexity but even the more complex apps are still quite simple. You have a choice of “Go”, “Path”, “Xylo”, “Blockly” and “Wonder” apps to use with the Dash & Dot Robot Wonder Pack. Go is just a basic remote control app, Path allows you to draw a path on screen and dash will follow it, Xylo allows you to create songs on the included xylophone, and Blocky and Wonder are both coding apps. The coding apps come with challenges and tutorials so your child learns as they progress, starting from very easy tasks. They are drag and drop style to make it as learning friendly as possible.

You’ll most likely need to update the robots before use so it’s a good idea to do this before presenting the robots to your child, and also make sure to charge them fully. There is enough variety to keep your child entertained for a long time to come. The accessories add even more fun by allowing you to dress up the robots into animals or turn them into a bulldozer or tow truck. It even allows you to record your own sounds which is a nice touch.

Final Thoughts

My seven-year-old absolutely loves these toys. He’s always been the curious type and now he has the perfect device to allow him to learn while playing and I’m always amazed at the new things he’s able to make the robots do. Dancing, light shows, he even turned dash into a spy bot with the added smartphone attachment. I don’t think he’s touched another toy since he got the Dash & Dot Robot Wonder Pack and the way he’s going it might be a while before he does. The only downside is I wish the battery would stay charged just a little longer but overall I highly recommend this product.